
REBECCA VALLANCE
30 Formal Designer Dresses For An Elegant Entrance
On the hunt for formal designer dresses to update your closet with for 2022? We have you covered! Perhaps it’s an office event, maybe an important dinner, or even just a particularly fancy party. Whatever’s on your calendar, you’ll find exactly what you need below. But don’t just take our word for it! Keep scrolling and let the likes of Self Portrait, Alexandre Vauthier, Emilia Wickstead, and Victoria Beckham do the talking. Their stunning designs are all the confirmation you need. Yes, 2022 will be your chicest style year to date! What’s more, we’ve included a great range of styles. From mini and maxi lengths to prints and block colors…
Formal Designer Dresses To Wear On Repeat
If like us you just love putting together a capsule closet you’ll adore these classic designer dresses. Not only are they undeniably chic, but they’re also timeless and simple in their design. That means, we can wear them again and again! The square neck spaghetti-strap dress by Reformation is a perfect example. From the sleek fitted silhouette and on-trend neckline to the midi-length skirt and plunging open-back. Everything about this dress exudes elegant simplicity. Add it to your lineup for everything from dinners dates to evening soirees. All you’ll need then is the perfect pair of statement heels. The Meira crystal-embellished sandals by Jimmy Choo certainly spring to mind!
Does your event call for warmer fabrics and long sleeves? In this case, we can’t recommend the ribbed-knit midi dress by Self Portrait enough! Its stunning sweetheart neckline and square back are incredibly flattering. Especially combined with a wrapped bust and fitted pencil-style skirt. Additionally, this dress has elegant long sleeves and the chicest asymmetric button detailing. Slip into this chic and cozy dress with simple black heels like the Astrid suede slingback pumps by Christian Louboutin. Guaranteed effortless elegance from winter to spring!
Shop more Designer Formal Designer Dresses selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists
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AMUR Belle Dress
$598 -
MORGAN & CO Glitter Lace Strapless Mermaid Gown
$179 -
KATIE MAY Blush Surreal Dress
$250 -
MICHAEL COSTELLO X Revolve Garland Gown
$298 -
ULLA JOHNSON Colette Ruffled Floral-print Silk-crepon Gown
$1,190 -
TOM FORD Cutout Metallic Stretch-knit Halterneck Gown
$4,290 -
VERSACE Asymmetric Embellished Draped Jersey And Crepe Gown
$3,950 -
ALESSANDRA RICH Polka Dot Silk Short Sleeve Long Dress
$1,790 -
ZOE AND CLAIRE Shirred Long Sleeve Midi Dress
$98 -
SHONA JOY La Lune Frill Cuff Bias Midi Dress
$380 -
DRESS THE POPULATION Danae Lace Gown
$278 -
SHOSHANNA Alpine One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
$650 -
MAEVE Purple The Cecily Fit & Flare Sweetheart Dress
$170 -
ETRO Belted Floral-print Silk-crepon Maxi Dress
$4,650 -
MAGGY LONDON Ruffle Sheath Dress
$118 -
REFORMATION Fulton Sleeveless Sweetheart Midi Dress
$278 -
REFORMATION Port Midi Dress
$248 -
KATIE MAY Surreal Dress
$250 -
DÔEN Calsi Dress
$398 -
DÔEN Marybell Dress
$298 -
CEFINN Loretta Printed Recycled-blend Crepe Midi Dress
$500 -
ALESSANDRA RICH Rose-print Plissé Silk Dress
$1,884 -
ZIMMERMANN Net Sustain Matchmaker Asymmetric Floral-print Chiffon Midi Dress
$1,150 -
L'IDEE Blue Gala Gown
$395 -
SIMKHAI Camryn Mini Dress
$595 -
VINCE CAMUTO Lace & Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress
$178 -
GUCCI Belted Wool-blend Bouclé Midi Dress
$3,800 -
ERDEM Astrea Floral-printed Satin Midi Dress
$3,345 -
EMILIA WICKSTEAD Miley Checked Crepe Midi Dress
$1,606 -
ZIMMERMANN Tiered Plissé-taffeta Midi Dress
$725
Formal Designer Dresses With Unforgettable Details
If you thought formal designer dresses had to be plain, think again! Silhouettes like the ruffled sleeveless maxi dress by Eudon Choi are proof that they can also make a unique statement! This pretty ankle-length dress feels instantly chic thanks to its timeless monochrome design. Meanwhile, the focus of the sleeveless bodice is a striking oversized ruffle collar. This black trimmed feature coordinates perfectly with the coordinating waist-cinching belt and optional ribbon fastenings. Keep your styling simple and pair this dress with a chic black clutch and matching heels. We recommend the Portofino 105mm sandals by Gianvito Rossi.
For a seriously elegant color injection, opt for the square-neck guipure-lace midi dress by Self-Portrait. You’ll be instantly smitten with the tailored bodice, grosgrain waist, and all-over guipure lace overlay. Meanwhile, the deep red hue is utterly romantic and perfect for any season. Finally, add simple heels and a statement accessory like the 1969 chain-link shoulder bag by Paco Rabanne. We guarantee all eyes on you at your next event!